What is capoeira?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is over 400 years old, and combines elements of self-defense, music, dance and acrobatics. It offers an excellent and unique outlet for physical conditioning and movement, and promotes the development of overall wellness and emotional wellbeing in those who practice it. Men, women, and children of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness level enjoy the benefits of training.

Capoeira (cap-oh-EHR-ah) has its roots in the slavery days of Brazil, when African people brought to Brazil to work were kept in slave camps called "Senzalas." During this time period, slaves from different regions in Africa synthesized elements of dance, music, and fighting. Over time, a new art was born- capoeira. Because capoeira gave African slaves a sense of identity along with practice in fighting techniques, it suffered repression and was prohibited by slave owners and eventually by the Brazilian government. Nevertheless, the art of capoeira continued to be practiced, and only in the 1930s with the establishment of the first official capoeira academy by Mestre Bimba did it become recognized as the national sport of Brazil. Today, Capoeira has spread around the world. It is enjoyed by by millions of practitioners that see it either as a way of life or as a hobby.